Iranian derivatives of North Korean Nodong 1 intermediate range ballistic missile, evolved incrementally with Russian assistance into a longer-range missile and the first stage of an orbital launch vehicle.

On 7 July 2003 Iranian state radio reported that the final trials test had been conducted a few weeks earlier and the missile had been accepted by the military. It was also reported that the larger Shahab 4 missile had been cancelled, since the Shahab 3 had been provided with a greater payload in its place. Western sources indicated Russian technology was used in the improvement of the Shahab 3.

In November 2004 US intelligence sources stated that the version of the missile used in 2004 tests had been stretched 15% and equipped with a larger payload fairing, indicating possible preparations for the long-announced Iranian indigenous satellite launch. A stretched Shahab-3 with improved performance, topped with two upper stages, would be equivalent to the French Diamant launcher of the 1960's. It would certainly be capable of orbiting the 60 kg Mesbah satellite mentioned in the press, and possibly the 170 kg mentioned for the follow-on satellite.

Shahab 4 Iranian missile said to be derived from Soviet-era R-12 intermediate range ballistic missile and having a 1400 kg payload. Was to have been the basis for an Iranian space launcher, then abandoned in 2003 in favor of development of the Shahab 3 for the role. More...

Shahab 3 Iranian intermediate range ballistic missile, evolved incrementally with Russian assistance from initial copy of North Korean Nodong 1 into a longer-range missile and the first stage of an orbital launch vehicle. Initial version began flight tests in 1998. More...

Shahab 3 Iranian intermediate range ballistic missile, evolved incrementally with Russian assistance from initial copy of North Korean Nodong 1 into a longer-range missile and the first stage of an orbital launch vehicle. Initial version began flight tests in 1998. More...

Russo-Iranian technical assistance in rocketry - .
Nation: Iran. Israel provided US intelligence agencies with a copy of a $7 million contract between NPO Trud and Iran for equipment related to the R-12 IRBM. Other Russian contributions included wind tunnel, software, and mathematical modelling services from TsAGI, Polyus for laser gyro systems, and development of a solid-fuel capability.

Iranian satellite launcher mockup exhibited - .
Nation: Iran. Summary: Iranian television showed what appeared to be a mock-up of a clam-shell nosecone with a small satellite inside and a model of a space launch vehicle with a bulbous payload section, apparently based upon the Shahab 3 joint North Korean/Iranian IRBM..

Iranian multiple missile firings - .
Nation: Iran. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). The Iranians fired at least one Shahab-3 and "dozens of" Shahab-2, Zolfaghar-73, Scud B, Fath-110 and Zelzal missiles in a mass firing demonstration to kick off their Great Prophet 2 military exercise. It marked the first firing of the Shahab 3 by troops on exercise as opposed to a test flight. The Shahab 2 was reported to have demonstrated a 1,400-bomblet cluster bomb warhead.

Iran tests satellite launcher. - .
Nation: Iran. Agency: IRSA. Summary: Iran's president tours new space launch facilities and a rocket is launched, said by some to be a test version of the Shahab satellite vehicle without operative upper stages..